West Nile virus detected in Ontario, Montclair

The presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes continues to increase in San Bernardino County, vector control officials announced Friday.

West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District report eight more mosquito samples from Ontario and Montclair tested positive for the virus. The tests were conducted on Thursday.

And a week after vector control districts officials predicted there would be a continued activity in the virus, they have once again issues a warning for the public to protect themselves.

"It's bad, basically West Nile virus is spreading and I don't want anybody to get it," said Min-Lee Cheng, director of the district said.

To help raise awareness and prevent anyone from getting the disease, Cheng said district staff have attended recent outdoor concert events in Ontario and Chino Hills to pass out towelettes with insect repellent. District board members have also passed out the items at events in Montclair.

Cheng said the goal is to show the public how easy it is to use the towelettes to apply repellent.

In Montclair, the trap was near San Bernardino Road and Helena Avenue.

Josh Dugas, program manager for environmental health at San Bernardino County, said they have not detected any West Nile virus in the San Bernardino area.

People are advised to make sure their door and window screens are in good repair. "Green" swimming pools and standing water are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and should be dumped or cleaned, Dugas said.

The recent rains can serve as a reminder to people to check their yard for any areas that has collected water, he said.

The first trace of the virus in San Bernardino County this year was in Ontario on June 27.

Statewide there has been one human case, 396 mosquito pools and 155 dead birds that have tested positive for the virus in 2013.

To report green pools, standing water or mosquito problems in Ontario, Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino and Chino Hills, call 909-635-0307 or go online to wvmvcd.org. Elsewhere in San Bernardino County, call 909-388-4600.